NY Senator Arrested In Alleged Photographer Attack

A NY state senator known for his short temper was arrested Saturday morning, accused of attacking a photographer. Kevin Parker, a Democratic state senator from the 21st District, apparently was upset when Post photographer William Lopez snapped a picture of him getting out of a car at the home he shares with his parents on Avenue H. The photographer, who filed a formal complaint with police, said he was standing on a public street when he tried to take a picture of the politician. Lopez said right after the flash went off, the state senator chased him for half a block, then got into a tug of war over his camera once they got to Lopez’s car.

The photographer said the 42-year-old Parker damaged his driver’s side car door and his camera, causing more than $1,000 worth of damage.

The struggle ended when a crowd gathered and police took the state senator in for questioning.

This is the third time in four years that there’s been an incident involving Parker.

Last year, an aide to the senator filed charges, claiming that Parker pushed her during an argument and smashed her $300 eyeglasses.

Also, back in 2005, he was accused of punching a traffic agent in the face, but charges were dropped on the condition he take an anger management class.

His reaction at the time: “I am a victim and this is a miscarriage of justice.”